Frequently Asked Questions
English answers are machine-translated from the property's Japanese information. Please confirm important details with the property directly.
Or browse the answers we’ve already prepared below.
アクセス (1)
How do I get here from JR Tosa-Yamada Station?
From JR Tosa-Yamada Station, take Tosaden Transport bus (Yamada Station–Ryugadou line) for about 20 minutes and get off at 'Ryugadou' bus stop. By car, it is about 25 minutes from Kochi Expressway Nankoku IC.
コース (1)
What is the difference between the tourist course and the adventure course?
The tourist course is a self-guided walk along an improved approximately 1 km route, taking about 40 minutes. The adventure course is a full caving experience where you wear a helmet and headlamp and explore the darkness with a navigator, taking about 90 minutes (separate fee, booking required by the previous day). There is also the 'Nishi Honzan Cave / Water Cave Course'.
予約 (1)
How do I book the adventure course?
The adventure course requires advance booking by the day before. Please call 0887-53-2144 to make a reservation. During summer holidays and other busy periods, the course often fills up, so early booking is recommended. Helmets and headlamps are provided. Exploration suits and rubber boots are also available for rental (additional charge).
営業時間 (1)
What are the opening hours?
March–October: 8:30–17:00 (last entry), November–February: 8:30–16:30 (last entry). The cave is open year-round, but temporary closures may occur. Please check the official website before visiting.
子連れ (1)
Can children enjoy it?
The sightseeing course is well-maintained, so children can enjoy it. However, parts of the cave are damp and slippery, so please wear sturdy shoes. The adventure course requires stamina, so please choose based on age and fitness level.
料金 (1)
What is the admission fee?
The tourist course costs ¥1,200 for adults, ¥700 for junior and senior high school students, and ¥550 for elementary school children. The adventure course requires a separate fee and advance booking. The Ryugadou Museum is free to visit.
施設情報 (2)
Can I also visit a museum?
The Ryugatsu-dō Museum, adjacent to Ryugatsu-dō cave, displays and exhibits materials and research about the cave's formation, cave-dwelling animals, and Yayoi period life. Admission is free.
Is Ryugadou one of Japan's three largest limestone caves?
Yes, Ryugadou is known as one of Japan's three largest limestone caves and is designated as a Japanese national historic site and natural monument. It is a limestone cavern created over 175 million years, with a total length of approximately 4 km.
見どころ (1)
What are the highlights of Ryugado Cave?
The cave interior features a variety of stalactites, stalagmites, and stone pillars. The "Pot of the Gods" – Yayoi period pottery fused with stalactites – is a signature sight unique to Ryugado. Since 2019, projection mapping has also been used to create new lighting and sound effects.
雨天 (1)
Can I enjoy it on rainy days?
Ryugado Cave is an indoor (cave) facility, so you can enjoy it without problems even in the rain. It's popular as a sightseeing spot where you can tour comfortably on rainy days.
駐車場 (1)
Is there a car park?
Yes, parking is available. For details on spaces and fees, please check the official website (ryugadou.or.jp).
Other (6)
What is the address?
1424 Sakagawa, Tosa-Yamada, Kami City, Kochi Prefecture
How do I get there?
About 20 minutes by Tosaden Transportation bus bound for Ryugado Cave from JR Tosa-Yamada Station, right at the bus stop. About 25 minutes by car from Kochi Expressway Nankoku IC.
When is the cave closed?
Open year-round (temporary closures may occur)
What are the opening hours?
March–October: 8:30–17:00 (last entry), November–February: 8:30–16:30 (last entry)
Is there a car park?
Yes, parking is available. Please check the official website for details.
What is the admission fee?
Adults ¥1,200, junior and senior high school students ¥700, elementary school children ¥550 (tourist course). The adventure course has a separate fee and requires booking.